Stories from June 16, 2022

100 degrees? 3-day heat wave starts Sunday
A significant 3-day heat wave is on the way starting Sunday.
Florida only state not preordering toddler COVID-19 vaccines
Florida is the only state that hasn’t preordered COVID-19 vaccines for toddlers in anticipation of their final approval by the federal government, and Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday that he won’t facilitate their distribution, though he said they’ll be available to those who want them.
Some clinics halting abortions while bracing for Roe’s fall
Abortion providers in some places where the procedure could be banned if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade are bracing for a ruling by halting scheduling for the procedure, transitioning staff to help patients travel to other states and creating networks of clinics that will span across regions of the country.
Clinic helps pets and their human companions at Red Lake
A weeklong pet care clinic on the Red Lake Reservation led by six animal welfare groups provided veterinary services and supplies. It happened in a place where it’s often the animals who adopt several families, not the other way round.
Another low unemployment record for Minnesota, but wages are sharply lagging inflation, and the groundbreaking zoning changes approved by Minneapolis in 2019 get put on hold by a judge. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
DFL, GOP political analysts weigh in on what gas prices, Jan. 6 hearings mean for MN politics
As the campaign for governor and the Legislature nears the summer solstice, where do things stand? Will the headwinds from $5 per gallon gasoline and broader inflation sweep Republicans into top state offices? Are the Jan. 6 hearings in Washington having any impact on Minnesota voters? And what happens if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade? Two top political analysts weigh in from each side of the political aisle.
Judge halts Minneapolis 2040 zoning plan amid environmental questions
Wednesday's ruling does not kill the plan and leaves open the possibility of restarting it once the city takes steps to address environmental concerns. A city attorney said Minneapolis is considering appealing the ruling.
Minnesota notches another new low in unemployment
Minnesota’s low unemployment rate reached a new record in May, when the seasonally adjusted jobless figure hit 2 percent.
Feds bust Stillwater prison meth ring, indict inmate and guard
A 24-year-old guard at the state prison in Stillwater faces charges for allegedly smuggling methamphetamine into the facility as part of a drug ring there.
Weekend weather: June warmth on Saturday; hot on Sunday
We’ll have fairly typical June weather on this Saturday, then temps will ramp up on Sunday. We have more on that, plus which areas could see a passing shower or thunderstorm this weekend.
Charges: Motorcyclist clocked at 144 mph said he was going fast 'because it was hot'
A 22-year-old motorcyclist is facing multiple charges after an Olmsted County sheriff’s deputy reported clocking him driving by at 144 mph on Tuesday. The man allegedly said he was driving that fast to cool down on the sweltering hot day.
Days of intense heat have killed thousands of cattle in Kansas
Temperatures topped 104 degrees in the state’s top cattle county. In widely seen video footage, rows of carcasses are shown lined up along the edge of a field.
The Current launches new Carbon Sound music stream
The Current is launching a new music stream, website and app on Thursday. Carbon Sound is described as “dedicated to celebrating the depth, breadth and influence of Black musical expression.”
Abbott's baby formula plant closes again after severe storms and flooding
Abbott's Sturgis, Mich., plant was open for less than two weeks before it had to close again after flooding from severe weather. The company said it hopes to resume production in a few weeks.
Who are the winners and losers of the Fed hiking interest rates?
The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday it will increase its benchmark interest rate by 0.75 percent, the largest increase in decades. But what does that actually mean for everyday Americans?
Windy Thursday, more sun; hot by the weekend
We continue our break from the heat with partly cloudy skies and highs ranging from 70 in the north to the low 80s south. It will be windy from the west. More sun is on the way Friday before heat returns this weekend.
A group working to identify and nullify racist language in Twin Cities property records is out with new data on Ramsey County. Researchers with the Mapping Prejudice project combed through reams of documents and found more than 2,000 homes that were off limits to people of color until the mid-20th century. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Lots of sun, windy Thursday; hot again by the weekend
It’s a pleasant morning with lingering clouds in northern Minnesota. We’ll have a partly cloudy and windy day Thursday as the break from the heat continues. Highs will be mainly in the 70s and low 80s south. Heat returns this weekend for most.
Jan. 6 takeaways: ‘Heated’ Trump, Pence’s near miss with mob
In its third public hearing, the House panel investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection has focused on former President Donald Trump’s pressure on his vice president to delay or reject the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory.
Art Hounds: Three shows that bring joy
Cabarave offers an immersive, euphoria-themed show with music, dance, and circus arts in Minneapolis. The Minnesota Boychoir celebrates 60 years with a concert. Kristin Peterson’s drawings and watercolors at the Owatonna Arts Center celebrate nature.